Tearful Farewell for Fallen Wando Firefighters

A somber farewell was held today at the Wando Farmers and Fishermen's Cultural Sports Center for two brave firefighters, Fire Captain Park Seung-won and Firefighter Noh Tae-young, who tragically lost their lives battling a blaze at a cold storage facility in Wando.

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Let's go see pretty flowers soon. But now I see you smiling more prettily than flowers among the white chrysanthemums.

The funeral was marked by profound grief as family members shared their devastation. Park's high school son delivered a poignant message from his mother, expressing disbelief and sorrow at seeing her husband amidst the white chrysanthemums, flowers he had promised to see with her. The daughter's words, "You always said I was the prettiest, my flower-loving dad, what will I do without you?" brought many to tears.

Noh Tae-young, who was set to marry in October, was remembered by his colleague, firefighter Lim Jun-hyeok, who tearfully recalled Noh's happy anticipation of their honeymoon and future life together. The loss of these dedicated individuals has deeply impacted the community and their fellow firefighters.

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You always said I was the prettiest, my flower-loving dad, what will I do without you?

President Lee Jae-myung offered condolences, vowing to remember the "noble spirit" of Captain Park, who rushed into the flames with a "clear sense of mission to protect lives," and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the "promising firefighters" like Noh. Both firefighters were laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Daejeon.

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I keep remembering your face, smiling shyly as you discussed where to go for our honeymoon and how beautifully we would live together.

Investigations into the cause of the fire have led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Chinese worker on charges of professional negligence resulting in fire. He allegedly used a torch to remove paint from the floor, igniting the blaze. The 60-year-old representative of the construction company, who had instructed the work and left the site, is also under investigation for failing to adhere to safety protocols, specifically the "two-person" rule.

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We will never forget the noble spirit of the deceased, who rushed into the raging fire with a clear sense of mission to protect lives.